Ariana Grande Covers Billboard, Talks Love For R&B

Ariana Grande is letting it be known that she’s all grown up, and she’s not as innocent as people make her out to be. The “Problem” hit-maker takes the cover spot on the latest issue of Billboard magazine, where she continues her space theme, much like in the music video for her latest offering “Break Free.”

In her sit down, Grande spoke to the mag about maturing and declaring that she’s more "sardonic" than sweet. The 21-year-old also shades the Mariah Carey comparisons, and reveals some of the people that inspired her, which include India.Arie.

"When I was 14, I wanted to make a straight-up, like, India.Arie record," she explains. "Something really soulful."

Grande also opened up about always wanting to make R&B music. "I remember when I first came to L.A. to meet with my managers, I was like, 'I want to make an R&B album,' " recalls Grande. "They were like" — she drops her voice a few registers –" 'Um, that’s a helluva goal! Who is going to buy a 14-year-old’s R&B album?!'"